Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards seeks Ireland’s top youth volunteers

Irish international and rugby pundit Alan Quinlan with Michael Keohane, 2015 All-Ireland Youth Volunteer of the Year, and Dayna Ni Shiochain, 2014 All-Ireland Youth Volunteer of the Year, at the launch of the 10th annual Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards. Photo: Chris Bellew/Fennell Photography

Pramerica has announced the opening of nominations for the 10th annual Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards, a programme that honours and rewards secondary school students for outstanding acts of volunteerism and positive contributions in their communities.

Alan Quinlan, Irish international and rugby commentator, spoke at the event in recognition of the more than 1,500 students across Ireland who have been honoured in the past, and urged more to get involved.

“I am deeply touched and inspired by the level of dedication, commitment and care our young people invest in helping others in their local communities,” said Quinlan, “and I’d urge even more young people to get involved in the programme, which has supported incredible youth volunteers over the past 10 years.”

Andrea McBride, VP at Pramerica, echoed his call, and said: “As we launch the awards in this special anniversary year, we want to motivate more young people from schools around Ireland to get involved in community service activities and take up the chance to be part of this great event”.

This year, it is easier than ever for nominations to be submitted, as, for the first time, applications can be completed and submitted online.

Twenty finalists will receive €500 apiece, as well as an invitation to the Gala Awards dinner and recognition for their school.

Two All-Ireland Youth Volunteers of the Year will also be selected, each of whom will receive €1,000 for a charity of their choice, as well as a trip to the US for the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards National Recognition Events.

For more information, and to find out how you can nominate someone for a Pramerica Spirit of Community award, visit the website.